Encountering Buddhism: An Interreligious Experience from a Muslim Woman Scholar

Rosnida Sari

Abstract

Recently, I joined the International Conference on Buddhist Women in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, from 23-30 June 2015. About 1000 Buddhist women participated in this conference. At the end of the conference, participants were able to tour the amazing Buddhist Temple, Borobudur. They also visited additional temples such as Mendut, Prambanan, Pawon and other temples in Central Java. It was interesting to see them, theBuddhist women, with their colorful robes, coming from various countries. They came from Asia, America, Australia and Europe; however, I did not see any Buddhist participant from African countries in this event. The conference schedule was so tight. It started at 6.30am by doing meditation and finished at 8.30pm by listening dharma talk or some dance-performance. Each meditation was led by a different Bhiksuni from different countries. This is not the first time for me, to join in a meditation session, as a highlyeducated Muslim woman.